Meskie inducted into 2014 Purina Animal Hall of Fame

Chryl Fields and Meskie, her calico angora cat, was honoured by global pet food company for waking up its owner so she could escape from a fire last summer. (CNW Group/Purina Animal Hall of Fame)

Meskie, a calico angora cat, has been honoured by a global pet food company for waking up its owner so she could escape from a fire last summer.

Chyrl Fields, 67, of Murray Corner, near Cape Tormentine, fell asleep in her reclining chair on Aug. 8 and woke up suddenly when her 17-year-old cat pounced on her stomach.

“Chyrl understood from Meskie's peculiar behaviour that something was wrong and followed her into the kitchen where she noticed that the front of her house was on fire,” according to a statement.

Fields was able to get out of her house, with her cat, before the fire became too intense.

Fields said she owes her life to Meskie.

Meskie was one of four animals inducted into the Purina Animal Hall of Fame.

"Every year, these stories not only capture our hearts, but the hearts of the entire country," said Susan Molenda, the vice-president of Nestlé Purina PetCare.

"This year's Inductees overcame incredible obstacles such as a vicious black bear attack, a partially frozen river, a house fire and a dangerous criminal — literally putting their lives in harm's way to keep humans safe."